Trent Richardson Trade: Browns QB Brandon Weeden ‘Shocked’
By Chris Roling
Sep 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
In case you have not heard, the Cleveland Browns shipped off star running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round pick today in what many assume marks the impending doom of Browns’ quarterback Brandon Weeden in Cleveland.
NFL.com has the details of the trade:
"The Colts acquired running back Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday in exchange for the Colts’ 2014 first-round draft pick. Just one year after the Browns drafted Richardson No. 3 overall, the team’s new regime has given up on him. The Browns are loading up on 2014 draft picks.It’s a stunning move: Richardson was considered the centerpiece of the offense. But new coach Rob Chudzinski, new general manager Michael Lombardi and new COO Joe Banner clearly decided that he no longer fit their plans."
We know how fans on both sides feel, but how does Weeden feel? He had this to say via the same article:
"“Shocked man,” the QB said to NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington in a text message Wednesday. “That’s all I can say.”"
No kidding. Weeden now has over half a season to prove his worth in what may be a war of attrition. The new brass in Cleveland clearly want a franchise quarterback, and Weeden may simply not be it.
As of now Weeden is battling an injury that will keep him out of Sunday’s contest, but he better get back on the field as soon as possible and play well. His future in Cleveland may depend on it, but the staff certainly has not made things easier now that Weeden will not be supported by one of the NFL’s best running backs.